Exercise platform

ABSTRACT

An exercising device having a base platform with a foot restraint proximate to a first end. The platform is adapted to support an inflatable bladder proximate to a second end. The foot restraint is disposed above a top surface of the platform and extends across a portion of the platform. In use, a user may support a portion of their torso on the semi-hemispherical inflatable bladder and place one or both feet beneath the foot restraint(s).

CROSS REFERENCE

This application claims the benefit of the filing dates of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/928,157 having a filing date of Jan. 16, 2014 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/002,050 having a filing date of May 22, 2014, the contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The present disclosure is directed to an exercise device. More specifically, the present disclosure is directed to a device for promoting core strength and balance. The device has a base platform, adapted to support an inflatable bladder for supporting a user's torso, and a foot restraint.

BACKGROUND

Many devices are known for facilitating exercises done for therapy, conditioning or physical training. A number of such devices enhance a person's ability to maintain balance and equilibrium. A large inflatable ball (for example, 65 cm) known as a Swiss ball, has been used for this purpose. Another device utilized for balance and equilibrium exercises is a semi-hemispherical inflatable bladder having a flat bottom. In use, a user rests a portion of their torso on the inflatable bladder while performing various exercises. One such device is the Bosu® Ball sold by Bosu Fitness, LLC.

SUMMARY

The presented inventions are, at least in part, based on the realization that, while inflatable exercise devices remain popular with the exercising public, inflatable exercising devices are limited in the amount of exercises that a user can perform. More specifically, such devices rely on the weight of a user's own body to act as a counterbalance and thereby limit the amount of weight and/or type of exercises that may be performed using the device.

According to one aspect, an exercising device is provided that incorporates a base platform having a foot restraint with a semi-hemispherical inflatable bladder. More specifically, the base platform is elongated between first and second ends and includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The top surface of the base platform, proximate to the first end, supports a semi-hemispherical inflatable bladder. Connected proximate to the second end of the base platform are one or more foot restraints. In one arrangement, the foot restraint comprises one or more bars that disposed above the top surface of the base platform. Accordingly, in use, the user may support a portion of their torso on the semi-hemispherical inflatable bladder and place one or both feet beneath the foot restraint(s). At this time, the user may perform additional exercises in relation to use of an inflatable bladder alone. For instance, a user may perform crunches and/or crunches while supporting additional weight on their chest.

In one arrangement, the foot support is adjustable in height. In this regard, the user may selectively position the height of the foot restraint relative to the top surface of the base platform. Accordingly, the foot restraint may be sized for different users.

In one arrangement, the semi-hemispherical inflatable bladder further includes a base that rests on the top surface of the base platform. This base may be attached to the top surface of the base platform in any manner. In another arrangement, the inflatable bladder is connected to a slide mechanism that allows for adjusting the position of the inflatable bladder relative to the foot restraint. In such an arrangement, a locking device may be incorporated into the slide mechanism to fix the position of the inflatable bladder in a desired position.

In another aspect, the exercising device has a base platform that is adapted to receive a bottom edge/base of the inflatable bladder. In such an arrangement, the base platform may have a recess sized to receive the inflatable bladder base. In a further arrangement, the recess may have an undercut lip about its periphery. In this arrangement, the outside edge of the base of the inflatable bladder may be disposed within the recess and below the lip such that the inflatable bladder is secured to the platform.

In a further arrangement, a portion of the base platform between the inflatable bladder and the foot restraint may be flexible. In this regard, when a user is positioned on the inflatable bladder, the base platform is forced against a support surface/floor. However, the foot restraint may flex above the support surface to provide improved comfort for the user. In a further arrangement, one or more tension cables may be disposed within a bottom surface of the base platform to provide adjustable flex for the foot restraint.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of a base platform.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate top and side views of one embodiment of an exercise device.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate and adjustable foot restraint.

FIG. 4 illustrates a further embodiment of the exercise device.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a further embodiment of the exercise device.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a further embodiment of the exercise device.

FIG. 7 illustrates a further embodiment of the exercise device.

FIG. 8 illustrates a top view of the base platform of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom view of the base platform of FIG. 7.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which at least assist in illustrating the various pertinent features of the presented inventions. The following description is presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to limit the inventions to the forms disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the following teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the presented inventions. The embodiments described herein are further intended to explain the best modes known of practicing the inventions and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the inventions in such, or other embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular application(s) or use(s) of the presented inventions.

FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a base platform 100 that may be utilized to support and inflatable bladder, as more fully discussed herein. As shown, the base platform 100 is elongated between a first end 80 and a second end 82. That is, its length end-to-end is generally greater than its width side-to-side. The base platform 100 includes a generally planar top surface 102 and a generally planar bottom surface 104, which is configured to rest on a floor surface. The area proximate to the second end 82 of the top surface 102 of the base platform 100 is configured to support an inflatable bladder. See, e.g., FIGS. 2A and 2B. As shown in embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the second end 82 of the base platform is semi-circular. However, this is not a requirement and other configuration may be used. Disposed on the top surface 102 proximate to the second end of the base platform 100 is a foot restraint or bar 120. As shown, the foot restraint is suspended above the top surface 102 of the base platform 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the foot restraint bar 120 has first and second bent ends 122A and 122B that are affixed to the base platform 100. However, it will be appreciated that separate supports may be utilized to support the foot restraint above the base platform 100. In use, a user may position their feet beneath the foot restraint 120.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrates a top and side view of one embodiment of an exercise device 200 that incorporates the base platform 110 and foot restraint 120 with an inflatable bladder 140. As shown, the inflatable bladder 140 is disposed on the top surface 102 of the base platform 100 proximate to the first end. In the illustrated embodiment, the bladder 140 is generally semi-hemispherical, when inflated, such that a top center of the bladder is disposed above the outer periphery of the bladder 140. Stated otherwise, when inflated the inflatable portion of the bladder 140 is generally convex with respect to its base 142. The bladder is, in one embodiment, made out of a burst-resistant vinyl such as PVC. However, the bladder can be made of any suitable material, such as rubber, plastic, or the like, which is flexible and inflatable. Further, it will be appreciated that the bladder 140 need not be semi-hemispherical. That is, the bladder may be oblong, rectangular etc.

Typically, the base platform 100 is of a length that permits sufficient spacing between the foot restraint 120 and the closest edge of the inflatable bladder 140 to allow a user to rest a portion of their body on bladder 140 while disposing one or both feet below the foot restraint. Typically the spacing between the foot restraint and the bladder is between about one foot and about three and a half feet.

The inflatable bladder 140 may be connected to the base platform in any appropriate manner. In this regard, the base 142 of the inflatable bladder 140 may be mechanically affixed (e.g., screwed) to the top surface of the base platform. Further it will be appreciated that the configuration of the bladder may vary. For instance, in some embodiments, the base 142 of the inflatable bladder 140 may extend continually across the bottom surface of the bladder 140. That is, the base 142 may be a substantially rigid member that forms a solid bottom flat surface of the semi-hemispherical bladder. Alternatively, the base 142 may be formed as an annular member or ring that extends about the periphery of the bladder 140. In this arrangement, the bottom surface of the bladder may be flexible. In this arrangement, the annular base 142 may compress a rim of the bladder 140 against the base platform. In any embodiment, the bladder may include an inflation port on its bottom flat surface (not shown). In order to access the inflation port on the bottom flat surface of the bladder, the base platform 100 will typically incorporate an inflation aperture 86. See FIG. 1. The location of the inflation aperture may be varied based on the configuration of the base platform and/or inflatable bladder.

FIGS. 3A and 3B illustrate an alternate embodiment of the foot restraint 120. The components of the embodiment of FIGS. 3A and 3B are substantially similar to those of FIGS. 1-2B with the exception except that the first and second ends 122A and 122B of the foot restraint 120 are received within annular collets 130 such that the position of the foot restraint bar 120 may be adjusted relative to the top surface of the base platform 100. As shown, each hollow annular collets 130 are sized to receive an end 122 of the foot bar. Further, the annular collets 130 each include a plurality of spaced apertures 140 along their length. These apertures 140 are sized to receive studs or buttons 90 of a spring clip 92 disposed within the ends 122 of the foot restraint 120. As will be appreciated, a user may depress the buttons 90 of the spring clip 92 to disengage those buttons 92 from the apertures 140. At this time, a user may adjust the foot restraint 120 up or down and then release the spring clip 92 to engage the buttons 90 with apertures 140 at a selected height.

FIG. 4 illustrates a further embodiment of the exercise device 200. In this embodiment, the base 142 of the inflatable bladder 140 is attached to a slide mechanism 150. The slide mechanism 150, as illustrated, includes first and second tracks 154A, 154B. Accordingly, the bottom surface of the base 142 of the inflatable bladder 140 may include matching slides (not shown) that fit into the tracks 154A, 154B. The tracks and rails permit the position of the inflatable bladder 140 to be adjusted relative to the position of the foot restraint 120. The slide mechanism 150 may further include a slide lock lever 152 that allows for releasing the inflatable bladder 140 for adjustment and for locking of the inflatable bladder 140 in a desired position.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a further embodiment of the exercise device 200. In this embodiment, the top and or bottom surfaces of the base platform 100 include one or more relief cuts 170 that extend across the base platform from side-to side. The relief cuts 170 that allow the base platform 100 to flex. More specifically, when a user is positioned on the inflatable bladder 140 with their feet beneath the restraint bar 120, the restraint bar 120 is allowed to raise above a surface on which the platform sits.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a further embodiment of the exercise device 200. In this embodiment, the bottom surface 104 of the base platform 100 sits on a rectangular frame 180, which provides a recessed surface that houses tension cables 182 and tension springs 184. The tension cables 182 have a first end connected to proximate to the bottom surface 104 of the base platform 100 proximate to the foot restraint 120. In the illustrated embodiment, the connections of the cables to the bottom surface of the base platform 100 are positioned such that they are within the interior of the rectangular frame 180. A second end of each cable 182 is connected to a tension spring 184, which is affixed to an opposing end of the frame 180. In the present embodiment, the springs are adjustably affixed to the frame via adjustment knobs 186 via connecting rods 188. The connecting rods 188 extending through apertures in the frame 180 while the diameter of the knobs prevent their passage through the frame. The connection rods 188 and knobs 186 may be threaded to allow a user to adjust the tension on springs 184 and cables 182. For instance, the connecting rod may be threaded such that a user may turn the adjustment knob to increase or decrease the tension on springs. In this embodiment, the base platform 100 may be designed to flex, for example, in a manner similar to that of FIGS. 5A and 5B. Such a mechanism allows for adjusting the flexibility of the base platform.

FIGS. 7-9 illustrate another embodiment of a base platform 100 the may be utilized with an inflatable bladder 140. As shown, in this embodiment the base platform may be utilized with a preexisting semi-hemispherical bladder 140. For instance, the platform may be utilized with, for example, a Bosu® fitness ball. However, it will be appreciated that this embodiment of the base platform may also be combined with other inflatable bladders, which may have other configurations. Likewise, this embodiment of the base platform may be provided with an inflatable bladder. In any arrangement, the base platform 100 has a recess 160 formed in its top surface. The recess 160 has a shape that corresponds to the shape of the base 142 of an inflatable bladder 140 that will be used with the platform 100.

In order to secure the inflatable bladder 140 the base platform 100, the recess may have an undercut lip 162 that extends about the periphery of the recess 160. The undercut lip allows for receiving the periphery of the base 142 and trapping it beneath the undercut lip 162. That is, is been recognized that when an inflatable bladder is not inflated there is typically enough give in the base 142 to slightly deflect it such that it may be disposed within the recess. Likewise, the base platform may provide enough flexibility to allow for bending the platform to allow insertion of the inflatable bladder base. Once the base 142 of the inflatable bladder 140 is disposed within the recess 160, a user may access an inflation port (not shown) in the bottom of the inflatable bladder 140 via an aperture 86 in the base platform 100. Once inflated, the air pressure in the bladder 140 resists further deflection of the base 142. Thus, the air bladder 140 is securely fastened to the platform 100.

As shown in FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, the foot restraint 220 of this embodiment of the base platform 100 may integral with the base platform. that is, the base platform and foot restraint are a single piece. This allows forming the base platform in an injection molding process. However, this is not a requirement.

The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. Furthermore, the description is not intended to limit the inventions and/or aspects of the inventions to the forms disclosed herein. Consequently, variations and modifications commensurate with the above teachings, and skill and knowledge of the relevant art, are within the scope of the presented inventions. The embodiments described hereinabove are further intended to explain best modes known of practicing the inventions and to enable others skilled in the art to utilize the inventions in such, or other embodiments and with various modifications required by the particular application(s) or use(s) of the presented inventions. It is intended that the appended claims be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An exercise device, comprising; an elongated platform having a length between first and second ends greater than a width side-to-side, said platform having an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein said lower surface is adapted for resting on a support surface; a foot restraint supported above said platform and extending over at least a portion of the width of said platform, wherein said foot restraint is disposed proximate to said first end of said platform; and an inflatable bladder having an resilient top surface and a base, wherein said base is disposed on said top surface of said platform proximate to said second end of said platform.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein said resilient top surface of said inflatable bladder is generally semi-hemispherical, when inflated.
 3. The device of claim 1, wherein said base of said inflatable bladder is substantially rigid and is fixedly connected to said platform.
 4. The device of claim 1, further comprising; one or more relief recesses extending across at least a portion of the width of said platform, wherein said relief recesses are disposed along the length of the platform between said foot restraint and said inflatable bladder.
 5. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a slide mechanism disposed between said base of said inflatable bladder and said base platform.
 6. The device of claim 1, further comprising: a frame attached to said bottom surface of said platform.
 7. The device of claim 8, further comprising: one or more tension cables disposed within said fame and each having: a first end connected to said platform proximate to said first end of said frame; a second end connected to at least one spring, wherein said spring is connected to one of said frame and said platform proximate to said second end of said platform.
 8. The device of claim 8, further comprising an adjustor for adjusting tension in said spring or cable.
 9. The device of claim 1, wherein said foot restraint is integrally formed with said platform.
 10. The device of claim 1, further comprising: first and second adjustors attaching said foot restraint to said platform, wherein said adjustors allow selectively adjustment of a height of said foot restraint.
 11. An exercise device, comprising; an elongated platform having a length between first and second ends greater than a width side-to-side, said platform having an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein said lower surface is adapted for resting on a support surface; a foot restraint supported above said platform and extending over at least a portion of the width of said platform, wherein said foot restraint is disposed proximate to said first end of said platform; and a recessed surface in said top surface of said platform disposed proximate to said second end of said platform, wherein a periphery of said recess corresponds with a periphery of a base of an inflatable bladder.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein said recess further comprises an overhanging lip about at least a portion of its periphery.
 13. The device of claim 12, further comprising: an inflatable bladder having an resilient top surface and a base, wherein said base extends peripherally from said bladder and is sized for conformal receipt below said overhanging lip.
 14. The device of claim 11, further comprising; one or more relief recesses extending across at least a portion of the width of said platform, wherein said relief recesses are disposed along the length of the platform between said foot restraint and said inflatable bladder. 